KEY POINTS:
Harriet Hannah-Wicks' picnic visit to Auckland Domain yesterday with her granny, brother and friend had an unexpected end when Father Christmas made a surprise appearance.
The nearly-5-year-old was very happy to get her present order in early.
"I want a picture for my wall, and a cover for my bed," she told him.
Santa Claus is having a holiday in New Zealand before the Christmas rush starts.
He says it's a great place to relax and plan his trip around the world delivering presents on Christmas Eve.
But before he can do that, he must make an appearance at the Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park show tonight.
The show, now in its 14th year, is an extravaganza of lights, music and fireworks, with a cast of more than 150. Auditions begin in March.
As well as big name performers, the highlight for children will be Santa's arrival by sleigh, accompanied by Mrs Claus and fireworks.
And if the weather is not so good?
"The show must go on," event manager John Searle said.
"Nobody cancels Christmas."
TODAY'S CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK
Hosted by Jeremy Corbett and Jeanette Thomas, the line-up includes Jackie Clarke and Frankie Stevens, Opshop, Ben Lummis, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Elizabeth Marvelly, Mrs Claus, Funky Monkeys, cheerleaders, ballerinas and more. Dig out the programme in yesterday's Herald.
HOW TO GET THERE BUS
Shuttle buses will run from Britomart to Auckland Domain every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 8pm, $2 per person. For the return trip, the shuttles will run from 9.30pm until about 10.10pm, when the concert is scheduled to finish. Regular Link services will run every 15 minutes throughout the day, $1.60 a person.
Special bus services will operate from various parts of Auckland to the Domain. Visit www.maxx.co.nz for a full list, or phone (09) 366-6400.
TRAIN
Trains from around Auckland will operate as usual. Get off at Boston Rd or Newmarket station for an easy walk to the Domain. For western line passengers, the usual Saturday bus replacements between Henderson and Waitakere will be running. Visit www.maxx.co.nz for more information.
ROAD CLOSURES
Museum Circuit, Grafton, until 11pm; Cenotaph Rd and Maunsell St Extension, Grafton, from 4pm to 11pm; Sensory Gardens, 7.30pm to 11pm; George St, Maunsell Rd and Domain Dr will have single lane closures from 4pm to 11pm; Football Rd, Grandstand Rd North, Grandstand Rd South, Kiosk Rd, Wintergarden Rd, Little George St, The Crescent, from 6am to 10.30pm. Domain Dr (between Titoki St and Park Rd), Lovers Lane, Lower Domain Dr, Park Rd, Glasgow Terrace, Boyle St, Morgan St, Carlton Gore Rd (between Morgan St and Park Rd) from 4pm to 10.30pm.
- Compiled by Phoebe Falconer
